Campus Connection

UW-La Crosse graduate students who have completed their research projects have a new assignment: describe their work to a general audience in just three minutes using one powerpoint slide. That’s a new competition — the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) — being held on campus at 6 p.m. Friday March 31, in 1400 Centennial Hall. Eight graduate students have taken the challenge and plan to participate. “I first thought it was a little odd, but quickly saw how valuable it was,” says Steve Simpson, director of Graduate Studies. “It not only celebrates the discoveries made, but encourages the graduate students to communicate the importance of their research to a wider community.” This is the first-ever 3MT at UWL. The idea for the now worldwide popular competition was born at the University of Queensland in 2008. It came about when the state of Queensland was suffering severe drought. To conserve water, residents were encouraged to time their showers, with many using a three-minute egg timer fixed to the wall in their bathroom. The dean of the university’s graduate school put two and two together and the competition was born. Since 2011, the competition’s popularity has increased and 3MT events are now in more than 350 universities in 58 countries. At UWL, judges from outside campus will pick the winner who will receive a $500 scholarship. Other scholarships will be given to the first and second runners-up along with a people’s choice award. The competition is free and open to all. A reception will follow in 3100 Centennial Hall. If you go— Who: UWL graduate students What: Three-Minute Thesis When: 6 p.m. Friday March 31 Where: 1400 Centennial Hall, 308 N. 16th St. Admission: Free